Stewart: Age is no barrier

Stewart has faced the media ahead of the new season

Alec Stewart has insisted his age should not prevent him from winning back his England place.

The 39-year-old Surrey veteran withdrew from the Tests in India this winter and, as a result, missed the subsequent one-day series and the tour of New Zealand.

His replacement as England wicketkeeper during the winter, James Foster, was then handed one of the 11 central contracts for this summer.

But Stewart - who took advantage of his winter off to have surgery on his troublesome elbows - is determined to add to his 115 Test appearances.

"For me age doesn't come into it," he said.

"If you are good enough you get picked.

James Foster established himself over the winter

"In a way the six months I have had away from the game may have done me some good as it's the first winter I have had off in 20 years."

Stewart added: "I still believe I am good enough to play for England but the people who will decide on that will be the selectors.

"I would like to play both styles of cricket, either as a batsman or a wicketkeeper batsman.

"It's always been a huge honour to play for my country and that has not changed at all.

"The record is pretty impressive and the selectors have seen what I can do. They have seen that for the last 12 years."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney informed Stewart he was not going to be awarded a central contract this year while the pair were in Perth, Australia for Ben Hollioake's funeral.

Stewart said: "James Foster is in possession of the gloves and when I was in possession I knew there were 18 other keepers trying to get my place and he will know it's the same in his position."